Please be aware of Alabama Rot

We are sharing a very sad story in the hope of increasing awareness among dog owners of a potentially fatal disease commonly known as Alabama Rot

One of our lovely clients has tragically had to say goodbye to their beloved young Spaniel. Peggy sadly lost her fight for life after intensive treatment failed to save her from Cutaneous and Renal Glomerular Vasculopathy (Alabama Rot).

We urge you to read about this disease to gain knowledge of the early warning symptoms. Unfortunately, the cause remains unknown so there is no known way to prevent your dog from contracting it, but some general advice is available.

The disease manifests as skin sores not caused by any known injury. Most commonly these sores are found on the lower limbs but can also be found on the head, body, mouth and tongue. They appear as a distinct swelling, a patch of red skin or an open ulcer.

The disease can be rapidly fatal and progress to acute kidney failure. There tends to be a seasonal occurrence with most confirmed cases seen between November and May. The disease was first recognised in the UK in 2012, with the total number of confirmed cases now over 100.

Peggy lived in Hindon and was walked at Hawking Down and surrounding fields, Chalk Lane Byway, Martha’s Down (on the Chicklade Road) Woodland abutting Fonthill estate and Solstice Park Amesbury.

We would advise owners to be vigilant and to seek immediate veterinary advice if their dog develops unexplained skin lesions/sores.